The son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, Edward succeeded his father in 1547 aged nine. Scholarly and firmly Protestant, he ruled during his minority with the help of a council, but was dominated first by the Duke of Somerset as Lord Protector, and later by the Duke of Northumberland. The latter induced Edward to will the crown to his daughter-in-law Lady Jane Grey, in order to ensure the Protestant succession. Edward died of tuberculosis shortly before his sixteenth birthday. In this portrait, which is thought to have been painted after his accession, Edward mimics the forceful pose of his father seen in Holbein's Whitehall Cartoon.

Current affairs

Death of King Henry VIII and the coronation of King Edward VI, aged nine. Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset is appointed Lord Protector. Parliament repeals the Act of Six Articles of Religion, 1539. The English Reformation becomes more Protestant. The Abolition of Chantries Acts (1545 and 1547) dissolve over 2,000 chapels which had held masses for the dead.

Art and science

The Book of Homilies is published to promote preaching in English.Full-length portrait of King Edward VI is painted the Dutch artist William Scrots.Somerset House is constructed in London for Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset.

International

The Battle of Mühlberg - the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeats the Protestant Schmalkaldic League.Death of Francis I of France and accession of Henri II. Coronation of Ivan IV of Russia (the Terrible), the first ruler of Russia to assume the title Tsar.

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